3 points men should know about sexual harassment

On behalf of The Womack Law Firm posted in employee rights on Wednesday, January 11, 2017.

Many people think that only women are sexually harassed at work, but this isn't the case. Men can also be sexually harassed. If you believe that you are being sexually harassed at work, consider these three things so that you can decide how to address it. You might opt to take legal action to stop the harassment and hold your employer liable for the harassment that occurred there.

Not all sexual harassment involves physical contact

Physical contact is one form of sexual harassment, but it isn't the only one. It is possible to be harassed by having to view sexually explicit materials or listen to sexually offensive jokes. Anything that is considered sexual in nature that isn't welcomed by you is considered sexual harassment in the workplace.

It doesn't matter how the sex-related content is shared. As long as it is unwelcome, and especially if you have made it very clear that this type of behavior isn't something that you want to endure, it is unacceptable.

Not all sexual harassment involves supervisors

Quid pro quo sexual harassment, which means "this for that," is one form that can occur. In this form of sexual harassment, a supervisor would tell you that you have to do sexual favors in exchange for a promotion or other favors at work.

This form of sexual harassment is common, but it isn't the only form. A co-worker, a vendor, or even a customer can sexually harass you. In some cases, the sexual harassment doesn't even have to occur at work. You could also be a victim of sexual harassment if a co-worker happens to email you sexually explicit materials or contacts you through other means, including Facebook, telephone, or additional methods.

Not all sexual harassment is from the opposite gender

It doesn't matter if your harasser is male or female or even if more than one person is sexually harassing you. A man who is subjected to crude sexual jokes by other men can be the victim of sexual harassment. In fact, even if you have to watch men with whom you work sexually harass a female co-worker, you could still be considered a victim of sexual harassment. Just because you weren't one being harassed doesn't mean that you aren't a victim.

If you think that you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you should look into the situation to determine what actions you can take.